Victims of Crime Fund becomes victim of crime
17 August 2012
South Australian police have started an investigation after it was alleged that money has gone missing from the state's Victims of Crime Fund. It's further alleged that the money was being pocketed by one of the Fund's legal officers.

A member of staff involved in the legal administration of the fund was suspended recently when it was alleged that cash, earmarked for crime victims, was being placed in his or her rather less worthy pockets. The fund, which has AUS$77 million at its disposal, is believed to have been discovered to be slightly less full than usual by a vigilent employee last week, and managers were alerted.

The Victims of Crime Fund. How it may look.

The authorities sprang into action and, as well as police and anti-corruption officers, it appears that the Auditor-General will be investigating the fund's operations. A spokesman for the Attorney-General's office said that "the alleged misappropriation was discovered by the Crown Solicitor's Office and...police were immediately notified. An employee has been relieved of duties and is on leave".

According to a report in the Australian, a legal officer at the fund has been detailed under the Mental Health Act following an attempted suicide bid at the end of last week.